Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku is a Japanese romantic comedy film released in 2020 based on the manga series of the same name by Fujita. The movie follows the story of two adult Otakus, Narumi and Hirotaka, who work in the same office but keep their hobbies a secret from their co-workers. Narumi is a fujoshi, someone who is obsessed with BL manga and anime, while Hirotaka is a gamer.
After a chance meeting, Narumi and Hirotaka begin a romantic relationship, but they struggle to balance their personal lives with their professional ones. Their hobbies constantly interrupt their workday and they have to deal with gossip and rumours from their co-workers. Along with two other Otaku couples, they navigate their way through the ups and downs of dating while trying to keep their Otaku lifestyles a secret.
The film features cameos from popular anime and manga characters, providing a fun and nostalgic experience for viewers. It portrays a different side of Otaku culture, one that embraces the personal relationships formed through shared hobbies.
Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku was directed by Yuichi Fukuda and features Mitsuki Takahata as Narumi and Kento Yamazaki as Hirotaka. The movie was a commercial success, grossing over ¥1.6 billion at the Japanese box office and receiving positive reviews for its comedic performances and portrayal of Otaku relationships.
